Joshua looking foward to debut

Last Updated: October 5, 2013 4:25pm

Anthony Joshua: Looking forward to make his professional debutAnthony Joshua insists he faces a real test of his credentials when he makes his professional debut against unbeaten Italian Emanuele Leo at the 02 Arena on Saturday.

Joshua, a gold medallist at London 2012, will top the ‘Carpe Diem’ bill in a show which also features Scott Quigg’s super-bantamweight fight against Yoandris Salinas.

“My opponent is here to win, I’m there to win. It will be a great start. It’s about respect.”
Anthony Joshua

The former Finchley ABC fighter is unfazed by the prospect of taking on the unbeaten Leo, and claimed the fight is all about starting his professional career the right way.

“I want to get respect by beating an opponent that I shouldn’t be beating,” said Joshua.” By fighting an opponent with that type of record I’ll get respect.

“My opponent is here to win, I’m there to win. It will be a great start. It’s about respect.”

“I’m going in as an Olympic champion so it’s time to step up and raise the bar. I’ve got to start at a level that’s credible for an Olympic champion.

“Becoming a professional has been tough, everything’s based around three-threes, but my body’s adapting really well. It’s been tough but good.”

Joshua said he is relishing his first professional contest since turning pro with Matchroom Boxing but admitted he does feel a little nervous ahead of his clash with Leo.

“I feel a bit nervous,” said Joshua. “It’s real now – seven weeks behind closed doors and now it’s coming to the forefront now with two days left so it will be great.

“Once the bell goes all the nerves will go out of the window. “But because it’s new – the press conference and all that is new to me – but it’s going to be great. Once I start relaxing, once I start my boxing it will be great.”

You can watch Anthony Joshua’s debut on Saturday October 5th on Sky Sports 2. Fight Night – Live starts at 8:30pm

Anthony Joshua marked his professional debut with an explosive knockout win over Emanuele Leo in the first round.

Scott Quigg retained his WBA super-bantamweight title with a majority draw against Yoandris Salinas.

Kevin Mitchell could be set to face Derry Mathews next after recording a victory over brave Mexican Marco Lopez.

Spencer Oliver says Anthony Joshua is a world champion in waiting after his win over Emanuele Leo.

Nottingham fighter Leigh Wood is hoping he will have two reasons to celebrate next year.

Want to see a side of the best boxers in Britain you never knew? See their secrets on Seconds Out!

View the original article here

Joshua looking foward to debut